On iPhone
Open Settings → General → About. Tap Model Number for the A-number. Under Carrier Lock, “No SIM restrictions” is Apple’s unlocked indication. Look under Cellular or Mobile Data for Add eSIM.
BRAND COMPATIBILITY GUIDE
Which iPhones support eSIM? Models, regions and generations
Start with the exact iPhone, then its original purchase market. iPhone X and earlier lack eSIM; later generations have regional exceptions and different active-SIM combinations.
Loading the interactive checker. Sourced compatibility information is available on this page.
Sourced Apple phone directory
A model being listed does not mean every regional version supports eSIM. A missing model means we have not verified it.
The three boundaries that change an iPhone answer
The X-to-XS generation is the hardware boundary. iPhone 13 models add two active eSIMs. US iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models remove the physical SIM tray. These are separate questions, so “newer iPhone” is not a complete travel setup.
Hong Kong and Macao exceptions are model-specific. XS, 12 mini, 13 mini, SE second and third generation, and 16e differ from several larger models sold beside them. Use a family guide or the checker for the exact model.
Imported and refurbished phones need their original market
The seller’s address and your current location can differ from the phone’s original purchase region. Open Settings → General → About and tap Model Number to reveal the A-number. Match that to the catalog before selecting a plan.
For an unrelated carrier, check Carrier Lock in the same About screen. “No SIM restrictions” is Apple’s unlocked indication. A supported eSIM model can still be locked.
Apple eSIM questions
Which iPhones are eSIM compatible?
The eSIM-capable iPhone range starts with iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Later generations include regional exceptions, and the first-generation iPhone SE is unsupported. Use the exact family guide and original purchase market for the answer.
Why is Add eSIM missing on my iPhone?
Check the full model and its original purchase market first. iPhone X and earlier lack eSIM hardware, and some later regional versions also lack it. For a supported version, follow Apple’s current setup and carrier requirements. Carrier unlocking is a separate check; a lock does not prove that the phone lacks eSIM hardware.
Does an iPhone bought in Hong Kong support eSIM?
It depends on the model. Apple lists iPhone XS, 12 mini, 13 mini, SE second and third generation, and 16e among its Hong Kong and Macao eSIM models. Several larger models sold in the same markets instead use two physical nano-SIMs. Check your exact record.
Is Dual SIM the same as dual eSIM on iPhone?
No. Dual SIM can mean two physical SIMs, a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs. Supported iPhone 13 models and later can use two active eSIMs; older eSIM-capable generations can have a different combination.
Official sources for this guide
- Apple: Dual SIM with an eSIM (opens in a new tab)
- Apple: two nano-SIM models (opens in a new tab)
- Apple: identify your exact iPhone (opens in a new tab)
- Apple: carrier unlocking (opens in a new tab)
- Apple: eSIM setup (opens in a new tab)
- Apple: help setting up eSIM (opens in a new tab)
The model records on this page retain their own regional and hardware evidence. Compatibility is documented from manufacturer sources. This does not represent hands-on activation testing.
MODEL-SPECIFIC ANSWERS
Apple compatibility guides
- Does iPhone 6 or 6s support eSIM?
- Does iPhone 8 or 8 Plus support eSIM?
- Does iPhone X support eSIM?
- iPhone XR, XS and XS Max eSIM: the regional differences
- iPhone 11 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- iPhone 12 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- iPhone 13 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- iPhone 14 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- iPhone 15 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- iPhone 16 eSIM compatibility: models, regions and SIM options
- Which iPhone SE generations support eSIM?
CHECK ON YOUR PHONE
Confirm the device in Settings
An EID indicates eSIM hardware. It does not prove the phone is unlocked, that every provider will accept it or that a plan includes coverage at your destination. Do not send us your IMEI, EID or account details.
These records use manufacturer documents, with no remote inspection or hands-on activation testing. Read how the compatibility checker works.